Christliche Schulen in Japan: 100 Jahre

100 Jahr-FeierEducation Association of Christian Schools in Japan

"Agreement through Spiritual Union"

by Nomoto Shinya, board chair

Education Association of Christian Schools in Japan and Doshisha University

This organization, referred to in this address as "the association," has continued for 100 years. On this occasion, more than anything else, we need to give thanks to God our Father for guiding us through these years.

The seed of the gospel was planted in Japan some 150 years ago, and Christian schools and educational institutions began springing up in each district. However, as soon as they had begun to grow, they were forced to struggle against nationalism. This period also coincided with the beginnings of the ecumenical movement around the world, and so it was in such a situation that the association was born through the prayers, cooperation, and solidarity of the leaders of these schools.

In the first half of the 20th century, overwhelmed by the waves of history, both of Japan and of the world, and forced to cooperate with Japan's war effort, the Christian schools faced a terrible ordeal. However, in the second half of the 20th century, they received cooperative support from both churches and mission organizations in the West, and as a result, democratic education began. Effort was made to incorporate moral education based on Christianity through mutual association, support, and fellowship among the member schools.

At present, in the association, there are 97 governmentally recognized school corporations, which include a total of 282 institutions with schools from elementary through university, with approximately 346,000 students. This is despite a Christian population of less than one percent, clearly showing that the principles and results of Christian education are generally held in high regard in Japan.

However, the history of those who have gone before us is a history of struggle. When we remember those of our predecessors who literally gave their lives in order to fulfill their calling from God, I feel a strong sense of gratitude and respect. At the same time, looking back at that history of struggle, we cannot overlook God's blessing interwoven with that history. On this occasion, we are eager to learn about this history from the completed chronological index and, by next year, the compilation of original source documents of the 100-Year History of the Education Association of Christian Schools in Japan. Then, by extension, we may see our path forward and, I think, see our history interwoven with both joy and pain.

Further, even though each school in the association is based on Christian principles, they each have their own histories and traditions, and so they have varying understandings of Christian teaching. For this reason, it has been difficult to achieve a common opinion on issues and, I believe, this will continue to be true in the future.

However, in order for the association to be able to continue, as we must face our present reality and issues, and as we accept our weakness before God and each other, we must respect each other's differing opinions and positions as we seek unity. That unity, of course, must be a unity based in spiritual union.

Today, as we approach the 100th anniversary of the association, I believe that we should not think of this as a mere point in the passing of time, not a "chromos" but a true "kairos," in which we can receive anew the gospel of Christ and affirm together the spiritual union we have already received. We should use this opportunity to deepen our unity and fellowship.

As we look back on our past history, both the struggles with the narrow-minded nationalism that was forced upon us, as well as in times when things were more favorable, we need to learn from the experiences of our predecessors in the association, how they sought to fulfill their calling to bring to fruition the freedom and love based on the Gospel of Christ and also the reasons why they could not. We should learn again from the firm resolve, faith, and wisdom of the teachers who went before us in the past 100 years. We should make our own that firm resolve that they have passed on to us. Further, ought we not to confirm that we are being led by the hand of God, which guides history, and use this opportunity to deepen our faith and solidarity? (Tr. GM)